What is the official name and acronym of the San Diego Air & Space Museum?

The official name of the museum is the San Diego Air & Space Museum, commonly abbreviated as SDASM.

In what year was the San Diego Air & Space Museum established, and when did it first open to the public?

The museum was established by articles of incorporation on October 12, 1961, and it opened its doors to the public on February 15, 1963.

What was the former name of the San Diego Air & Space Museum?

The museum was formerly known as the San Diego Aerospace Museum.

Where is the San Diego Air & Space Museum located, and what historic building does it occupy?

The museum is located in Balboa Park in San Diego, California, and it is housed in the former Ford Building, which is recognized on the US National Register of Historic Places.

What are the geographic coordinates for the San Diego Air & Space Museum?

The museum's coordinates are 32°43′34″N 117°09′15″W.

What type of museum is the San Diego Air & Space Museum?

It is classified as an aerospace museum.

What accreditations does the San Diego Air & Space Museum hold?

The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Can you list some of the key historical aircraft and spacecraft held within the San Diego Air & Space Museum's collection?

Key holdings include the Apollo 9 Command Module, a Blue Angels F/A-18A Hornet, a General Atomics RQ-1K Predator, the Lockheed A-12 Oxcart, and a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI.

What historical eras of aviation and space exploration are represented in the museum's collections?

The museum's collections cover The Pioneer Era, World War I, the Golden Age of Aviation, World War II, and the Space Age.

Approximately how many visitors did the San Diego Air & Space Museum receive in Fiscal Year 2017?

In Fiscal Year 2017, the museum welcomed approximately 270,000 visitors.

Who currently serves as the President, Chairperson, and Curator of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, according to the provided information?

As of the information provided, James G. Kidrick is the President, Mark Larson is the Chairperson, and Terry Brennan is the Curator.

How can visitors access the museum using public transportation, and what is the parking situation?

Visitors can access the museum via MTS Bus routes, specifically Bus 7 and Rapid 215. On-site parking is available and is free of charge.

What is the official website address for the San Diego Air & Space Museum?

The official website for the museum is sandiegoairandspace.org.

What is the historical significance of the Ford Building that houses the museum?

The Ford Building was constructed for the 1935–36 California Pacific International Exposition and is recognized on the US National Register of Historic Places.

When was the Ford Building added to the National Register of Historic Places, and when was it designated a San Diego Historic Landmark?

The Ford Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 26, 1973, and designated a San Diego Historic Landmark on April 7, 1972.

What was the original name of the museum when it was established in 1961?

When established in 1961, the museum's original name was the San Diego Aerospace Museum.

Describe the events of February 22, 1978, related to the museum's history.

On February 22, 1978, the Electrical Building, which housed the museum at the time, was destroyed in an arson fire. This devastating event led to the loss of numerous unique aircraft, including the Beecraft Wee Bee and Queen Bee, a reproduction of the Spirit of St. Louis, and extensive archives.

What significant aircraft and artifacts were lost in the 1978 arson fire at the museum?

The fire resulted in the destruction of irreplaceable items such as the Beecraft Wee Bee, the world's lightest aircraft, its sister craft the Queen Bee, a reproduction of the Spirit of St. Louis, over 50 other aircraft, a vast collection of artifacts and archives, and the International Aerospace Hall of Fame.

How did the museum manage to reopen after the 1978 fire, and where did it relocate?

Despite the significant losses, plans were already in motion to move the museum to the larger Ford Building. The community provided crucial support through fundraising and donations. The museum successfully reopened in its current home, the former Ford Building, on June 28, 1980, with a smaller but growing collection.

What notable items were recreated or rebuilt for the museum after its reopening in the Ford Building?

Following the fire and relocation, a new reproduction of the Spirit of St. Louis was built for the museum, and a reproduction of the Wee Bee was also recreated due to its historical significance.

What is the significance of the museum's affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution?

The museum became affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution in 2005, making it one of only ten aerospace museums nationwide and one of two in San Diego to hold such an affiliation. This affiliation signifies a level of recognition and partnership with a major national institution.

What are the main gallery sections within the San Diego Air & Space Museum?

The museum features several galleries, including the Theodore Gildred Rotunda, a Special Exhibit area, the World War I Gallery, the Golden Age of Flight Gallery, the World War II Gallery, the Modern Jet & Space Age Gallery, and the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight.

What is displayed in the Theodore Gildred Rotunda?

The Theodore Gildred Rotunda, serving as the museum's main entrance, features the Apollo 9 Command Module named Gumdrop. It also showcases examples of aircraft from local San Diego companies and various types of exhibits, including originals, models, flyable reproductions, replicas, and flight vehicles.

Can you provide examples of the different types of exhibits found in the Theodore Gildred Rotunda?

The rotunda displays a range of exhibit types, such as the original Montgomery 1911 Evergreen glider, a 1/2 scale model of the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk, the flyable reproduction Curtiss A-1 Triad amphibious aircraft, a replica of the Ryan Airlines NYP Spirit of St. Louis, and flight vehicles like the Ryan Firebee and General Atomics MQ-1 Predator.

What can visitors find in the museum's Special Exhibits area and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame hallway?

In addition to changing special exhibits, visitors can see early aviation displays hanging from the ceiling. The International Air & Space Hall of Fame hallway features portraits of aviation pioneers, exhibits on Jacqueline Cochran and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), and hanging displays of early gliders and aircraft reproductions.

What specific early aviation reproductions are displayed hanging in the museum, besides those in the main galleries?

Hanging exhibits include reproductions of the Leonardo da Vinci Ornithopter, Cayley Glider, Lilienthal Glider, Chanute Glider, the 1901 and 1902 Wright Gliders, the Deperdussin 1911 Type Militaire, the Beachey Little Looper, and the Vin Fiz Flyer.

What unique features characterize the World War I Gallery?

The World War I Gallery includes a boardwalk and an era-style tent reminiscent of those used by the Lafayette Escadrille. It displays reproductions of aircraft like the Albatros D.Va, Fokker Dr.I, and Fokker E.III Eindecker, alongside authentic examples of the SPAD S.VII.c.1 and Nieuport 28. It also features a display demonstrating the synchronization gear developed for the Fokker Eindecker.

What aircraft and engines are featured in the Golden Age of Flight Gallery?

This gallery showcases numerous aircraft, both on the floor and suspended, including a Lincoln Standard J-1, Consolidated PT-1 Trusty, Aeronca C-3 Collegian, Ryan M-1 replica, Lockheed Vega replica, Fleet Model 2, Gee Bee R-1 reproduction, Bowlus SP-1 Paperwing reproduction, Ryan B-5 Brougham, Ryan STA, Piper J-3 Cub, and Pitts Special. Engine displays include models like the Curtiss OX-5, Liberty L-12, and Rolls-Royce Merlin 62.

What exhibit related to Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) is present in the museum?

The museum features an exhibit dedicated to Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), including a replica of the airline's first ticket office. This exhibit displays memorabilia and stewardess uniforms from the 1950s through the 1980s, notably including the hot pants worn in the 1970s.

How does the museum commemorate the tragedy of PSA Flight 182?

A memorial plaque honoring the victims of PSA Flight 182, which collided with a Cessna 172 over San Diego in 1978, is located at the museum near the Theodore Gildred Flight Rotunda. Additionally, a tree and memorial plaque were dedicated at the North Park branch library on the 20th anniversary of the event.

What notable aircraft and displays are featured in the World War II Gallery?

The World War II Gallery includes a replica Horten Ho 229 flying wing, donated by Northrop Grumman. Other aircraft on display are a Stearman N2S-3 Kaydet, North American P-51D Mustang, Douglas C-47 Skytrain nose and cockpit section, a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-14 mock-up, and a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI. The gallery also features a mock-up of the USS Yorktown (CV-10) with Navy aircraft like the SBD-4 Dauntless and F6F-3 Hellcat, as well as a Mitsubishi A6M7 Zero-sen.

What is the significance of the Horten Ho 229 replica in the World War II Gallery?

The replica Horten Ho 229 flying wing, added in 2009, was donated by Northrop Grumman. Its display is linked to radar testing that compared the Horten's stealth capabilities to the B-2 bomber, and it was featured in a National Geographic documentary titled Hitler's Stealth Fighter.

What aircraft and spacecraft are featured in the Modern Jet and Space Age Gallery?

This gallery displays aircraft such as the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk and the F/A-18A Hornet Blue Angel 1. It also includes a replica Gemini spacecraft, a mock-up of an Apollo Command and Service Module, and a Boeing GPS-12 Satellite.

What is the significance of the Boeing GPS-12 Satellite on display?

The Boeing GPS-12 Satellite on display is an operational ground spare from the original GPS constellation. These spares were kept ready for launch in case of orbital malfunctions, and this particular unit was donated to the museum when newer generations of spacecraft were developed.

What notable items related to the North American X-15 program are present in the Modern Jet and Space Age Gallery?

The gallery features the cockpit canopy of the North American X-15 supersonic rocket plane. Additionally, it displays the flight suit worn by Scott Crossfield during his X-15 flights and the air conditioning case used by Neil Armstrong when he served as an X-15 pilot.

Which San Diego-area astronaut is recognized in the Modern Jet and Space Age Gallery?

Wally Schirra, the only astronaut to command missions in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, is recognized in the gallery as an astronaut who grew up and lived in the San Diego area.

What is housed in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight?

The Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight, located in the original courtyard of the Ford Building, houses many of the museum's larger aircraft. These include the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17, Bell AH-1E Cobra, and a Ford 5-AT-B Trimotor, along with a replica Beecraft Wee Bee and several racing aircraft.

What specific aircraft flown by Duke Cunningham and William Driscoll in Vietnam is on display in the McKellar Pavilion?

The McDonnell Douglas F-4J/S Phantom II on display in the pavilion was flown by Duke Cunningham and William Driscoll during their service in Vietnam from the USS Constellation (CV-64). This aircraft is noted for being used by Cunningham, the first ace to achieve all his kills with missiles.

What types of missiles were equipped on the F-4J/S Phantom II displayed at the museum?

The displayed F-4J/S Phantom II is equipped with radar-guided Sparrow missiles along its belly and infrared heat-seeking Sidewinder missiles loaded on its wings.

What is displayed outside the main entrance of the museum?

Outside the museum, visitors can see a Lockheed A-12 and a Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart on display.

Does the San Diego Air & Space Museum have any additional facilities beyond its main location?

Yes, the museum operates an annex at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, which provides additional display space for aircraft and houses restoration facilities.

What are some of the notable aircraft housed at the Gillespie Field Annex?

The Gillespie Field Annex features aircraft such as the Convair F-102A Delta Dagger, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis, Grumman F-14 Tomcat, Lockheed P-2 Neptune, Douglas A2D Skyshark, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, Bell UH-1 Iroquois, Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier, and a North American F-86F Sabre, among others.

How has the Gillespie Field Annex contributed to filmmaking?

An F-14 Tomcat from the Gillespie Field Annex was utilized for ground scenes during the filming of the movie Top Gun: Maverick.

How does the museum describe its collection size and archival resources?

The San Diego Air & Space Museum promotes itself as one of the largest aviation museums in the nation, possessing the third-largest collection of archives and library materials related to aviation and space.

What types of resources are available in the museum's library?

The museum's library holds an extensive collection of books on aircraft and historical photographs documenting aircraft and aircraft manufacturing.

What is the purpose of the museum's restoration facilities?

The museum operates two restoration facilities, one on-site and another at Gillespie Field. These facilities are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of aircraft and spacecraft in the collection, and the on-site shop is sometimes available for public tours when work is in progress.

What is the significance of the MiG-17 displayed at the museum, and what is its actual designation?

While identified as a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17, the aircraft on display is actually a Chinese Shenyang J-5.

What is the purpose of the "See also" section in the article?

The "See also" section provides links to related topics and entities, such as the Aviation portal, California portal, the USS Midway Museum (another air museum in San Diego), and a general list of aviation museums.

What is the role of the Authority Control section at the end of the article?

The Authority Control section provides links to international and national databases (like VIAF and Library of Congress) that catalog the museum, helping to uniquely identify and organize information about it across different systems.

What historical expositions held in Balboa Park are mentioned in the article?

The article mentions the Panama–California Exposition held in 1915 and the California Pacific International Exposition held in 1935.

What is the name of the reproduction aircraft that was built for the 2009 movie Amelia and is displayed at the museum?

A replica of the Lockheed Vega, built for the 2009 movie Amelia, is displayed in the Golden Age of Flight Gallery.

San Diego Air Space Museum Wiki: Celestial Journeys: The San Diego Air & Space Museum

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Introduction

A Beacon of Aviation History

The San Diego Air & Space Museum (SDASM), situated in the historic Ford Building within Balboa Park, stands as a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich tapestry of aviation and space exploration. It chronicles humanity's relentless pursuit of flight, from early pioneers to the frontiers of space.

Heart of Balboa Park

Nestled within the cultural heart of San Diego, the museum occupies the architecturally significant Ford Building, a landmark originally constructed for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. Its location within this vibrant park offers visitors a unique blend of historical architecture and technological marvels.

Mission of Preservation

Established in 1961, SDASM is committed to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting artifacts and documents related to the history of aviation and space exploration. It serves as an educational resource, inspiring future generations through the legacy of innovation and discovery.

A Legacy Forged in Resilience

Founding and Early Years

The museum's journey began with its establishment via articles of incorporation on October 12, 1961, as the San Diego Aerospace Museum. It first opened its doors to the public on February 15, 1963, initially housed in the Food and Beverage Building before relocating to the larger Electrical Building in 1965.

The 1978 Fire

A devastating arson fire on February 22, 1978, tragically consumed the Electrical Building and much of the museum's collection. Priceless artifacts, including unique aircraft and extensive archives, were lost, representing an immense cultural and historical setback.

Rebirth and Renewal

Despite the profound loss, the museum community rallied. Plans were already underway to relocate to the grander Ford Building. The fire spurred renewed dedication, leading to the acquisition of new items and the construction of faithful reproductions, such as the Spirit of St. Louis. The museum triumphantly reopened in its current home on June 28, 1980.

Smithsonian Affiliation

In 2005, the San Diego Air & Space Museum achieved affiliation with the prestigious Smithsonian Institution. This distinction places it among a select group of leading aerospace museums nationwide and underscores its commitment to national heritage preservation.

Galleries of Innovation

Theodore Gildred Rotunda

The museum's main entrance features the Apollo 9 Command Module Gumdrop, a tangible link to humanity's lunar ambitions. This central space also showcases aircraft from local San Diego companies and serves as a gateway to the diverse exhibits found throughout the museum.

World War I Gallery

Step back into the dawn of aerial combat. This gallery recreates the era with period tents and features reproductions of iconic aircraft like the Albatros D.Va and Fokker Dr.I, alongside authentic examples of the SPAD S.VII and Nieuport 28. Interactive displays explain early aerial warfare technology.

Golden Age of Flight

Celebrate the era of daring aviators and rapid technological advancement. This gallery displays numerous aircraft from the 1920s and 30s, including the Lincoln Standard J-1, Consolidated PT-1 Trusty, and replicas of the Gee Bee R-1 and Spirit of St. Louis. A fascinating collection of vintage aircraft engines is also featured.

World War II Gallery

Experience the pivotal role of aviation in World War II. Highlights include a replica Horten Ho 229 flying wing, a Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI, a North American P-51D Mustang, and a Douglas C-47 Skytrain cockpit section. A mock aircraft carrier deck provides context for naval aviation of the era.

Modern Jet & Space Age

Journey into the supersonic and orbital eras. This gallery features aircraft like the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk and the F/A-18A Hornet "Blue Angel 1." It also showcases a Gemini spacecraft replica, an Apollo Command and Service Module mock-up, and an operational GPS satellite.

Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight

The museum's original courtyard now houses larger aircraft, including the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 (Shenyang J-5), Bell AH-1E Cobra, and a Ford 5-AT-B Trimotor. This expansive area also includes racing aircraft and vehicles on loan from the San Diego Automotive Museum.

Gillespie Field Annex

Beyond the main Balboa Park facility, the museum operates an annex at Gillespie Field in El Cajon. This location provides additional display space for aircraft and houses restoration facilities, featuring notable aircraft such as the Convair F-102A Delta Dagger and Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

Curated Treasures

Extensive Holdings

The museum's collection is a comprehensive chronicle of aerospace achievement, featuring a diverse array of original artifacts, meticulously crafted reproductions, detailed scale models, and significant aircraft engines. This rich assembly spans from the earliest gliders to advanced spacecraft.

Lockheed A-12 Oxcart
Bowlus SP-1 Paper Wing (replica)
Convair YF2Y-1 Sea Dart
Apollo 9 Command Module Gumdrop
Spirit of St. Louis replica (Spirit 3)
Curtiss A-1 Triad
Montgomery 1911 Evergreen glider
General Atomics MQ-1 Predator UAV
Ryan Firebee
Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk (1/2 scale model)
1902 Wright Glider (reproduction)
Wright Flyer (reproduction)
Vin Fiz Flyer (reproduction)
Ford 5-AT-B Trimotor
Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.XVIe
North American P-51D Mustang
SPAD S.VII.c.1
Nieuport 28
Curtiss JN-4D Jenny
North American F-86 Sabre (at Gillespie Field annex)
Mitsubishi A6M7 Model 63 Zero
Grumman F-14 Tomcat (at Gillespie Field annex)
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 (Shenyang J-5)
McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II
Bell AH-1E Cobra
PBY-5A Catalina
Horten Ho 229 (model)
P-26 Peashooter
Vought F4U-7 Corsair

The museum also boasts one of the nation's largest collections of aerospace archives and library materials.

The Historic Ford Building

Architectural Heritage

The museum's home, the Ford Building, is a significant piece of San Diego's architectural history. Constructed for the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition, its design reflects the era's aesthetic and engineering capabilities.

Designated Landmark

Recognizing its historical importance, the Ford Building is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP reference #73000433, added April 26, 1973) and is designated as a San Diego Historic Landmark (No. 60, designated April 7, 1972). This ensures its preservation for future generations.

Community and Engagement

Special Events & Programs

The museum actively engages the community through various lectures, student programs, and special events. These initiatives aim to foster interest in aerospace and its historical significance, making the museum a dynamic educational hub.

Restoration and Research

With dedicated restoration facilities both on-site and at the Gillespie Field Annex, SDASM ensures its collection is meticulously maintained. The museum's extensive library and archives provide invaluable resources for researchers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Venue for Occasions

The Pavilion of Flight is available for private event rentals, accommodating lectures, dinners, and other special gatherings. Museum docents can be arranged to provide expert insights during these events, enhancing the guest experience.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the San Diego Air & Space Museum Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding aviation history, museum operations, or historical preservation. Always refer to official museum resources and consult with qualified experts for specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Celestial Journeys

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🏛️ A Beacon of Aviation History

🌳 Heart of Balboa Park

🚀 Mission of Preservation

A Legacy Forged in Resilience 📜

🛫 Founding and Early Years

🔥 The 1978 Fire

🌟 Rebirth and Renewal

🤝 Smithsonian Affiliation

Galleries of Innovation ✈️

🌌 Theodore Gildred Rotunda

🪖 World War I Gallery

🌟 Golden Age of Flight

🎖️ World War II Gallery

🚀 Modern Jet & Space Age

hangar icon Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight

📍 Gillespie Field Annex

Curated Treasures 📚

🗄️ Extensive Holdings

The Historic Ford Building 🏛️

🏗️ Architectural Heritage

📌 Designated Landmark

Community and Engagement 🎉

🗣️ Special Events & Programs

🔧 Restoration and Research

📅 Venue for Occasions

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Beacon of Aviation History

Heart of Balboa Park

Mission of Preservation

A Legacy Forged in Resilience

Founding and Early Years

The 1978 Fire

Rebirth and Renewal

Smithsonian Affiliation

Galleries of Innovation

Theodore Gildred Rotunda

World War I Gallery

Golden Age of Flight

World War II Gallery

Modern Jet & Space Age

Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight

Gillespie Field Annex

Curated Treasures

Extensive Holdings

The Historic Ford Building

Architectural Heritage

Designated Landmark

Community and Engagement

Special Events & Programs

Restoration and Research

Venue for Occasions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice